Thyroid Eye Disease

This condition, often linked with thyroid disorders, requires a personalized, comprehensive treatment approach. We’re committed to managing your symptoms and improving your eye health, guided by our expertise and your individual needs.

What is Thyroid Eye Disease?

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), commonly associated with Graves’ disease, is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the tissues and muscles around the eyes. This can lead to symptoms such as eye discomfort, visual changes, redness, and noticeable physical changes in the appearance of the eyes.

The Procedure

The treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease varies based on its severity and activity. Mild cases may only require monitoring and symptom management with over-the-counter treatments like artificial tears or prescription medications to decrease inflammation. In more severe cases where vision is at risk or quality of life is significantly impacted, surgical intervention may be considered.

Surgical treatments include Orbital Decompression Surgery to alleviate eye bulging, Eyelid Surgery to correct retracted eyelids, and Strabismus Surgery to rectify altered eye alignment causing double vision. The order and necessity of the procedures are individually planned to effectively manage the condition.

Benefits

The repair procedures for Thyroid Eye Disease aim to preserve vision and alleviate irritating symptoms; it can help improve some of the physical changes developed from thyroid eye disease.

Alternatives

For those who may not be suitable candidates for surgery, or in the early stages of the disease, non-surgical alternatives may include medications to manage inflammation and swelling, selenium supplements, and lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking. Eye shielding during sleep, sunglasses to manage light sensitivity, and prismatic glasses to help with double vision can also be beneficial.

We urge patients to discuss any concerns with their surgeon, to ensure peace of mind prior to proceeding with surgery.